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Third Business Competition for Ukrainian Women: discover our winners!

The competition was opened by Violaine Champetier de Ribes, President of the France-Estonia Chamber of Commerce (CCIFE), who honored the exceptional courage and creativity of Ukrainian women. Despite the adversity of war and displacement, these women have dared to dream, create, and build new ventures here in Estonia. She also paid heartfelt tribute to Alice Jarvet, the driving force behind this initiative.

At the core of this competition lies a belief deeply held by the CCIFE: trust is the cornerstone of every thriving community. When we invest in one another, support bold ideas and brave individuals, open doors, and share our networks — we do more than build businesses. We cultivate hope, foster cultural bridges, and shape a better future.

Margot Roose, Deputy Mayor of Tallinn for Entrepreneurship, emphasized that Ukrainian female entrepreneurs exemplify how determination and ingenuity can flourish, even in unfamiliar cultural and living environments. “Every company and idea enriches not only our economy but also Tallinn’s cultural fabric. Together, we are building a stronger, more diverse city where everyone has the chance to thrive through entrepreneurship,” she said.
This year’s competition attracted 13 inspiring business ideas across social entrepreneurship, the creative industries, and service sectors. Five finalists were invited to present their business plans before an international jury.

The winner, Olha Lavrenko, was recognized for her cutting-edge 3D modeling and printing services in Estonia, specializing in precision engineering and advanced composite materials. Her ambition is to capture 10% of the local market, delivering high-quality design and printing solutions to both private and corporate clients.

Second place went to Dariia Osiik, who is developing a bilingual digital media platform to connect and empower the Ukrainian women’s diaspora.

Third place was awarded to Alina Kyselova, who is launching an innovative weekend childcare center in Tallinn for children aged 2–7. Her project offers flexible, short-term care in a safe, creative, multilingual environment — particularly valuable to Ukrainian mothers and families without a local support network.

The final event was honored with speeches from Deputy Mayor Margot Roose, Chairwoman of the Riigikogu Social Affairs Committee Signe Riisalo, Ambassador of France to Estonia HE Emmanuel Mignot and Ambassador of Ukraine Maksym Kononenko.

The jury was chaired by Max Krupyshev, CEO of CoinsPaid, and included Evely Helenius (Silverspoon), Lavly Perling, Merle Laidro (Edelstein), Katrin Šenkevitš (Tehnopol), Svetlana Malatok (LPP Estonia) and Violaine Champetier de Ribes (CCIFE).

Supported by the Tallinn Ukraine Program, the competition’s final served as an inspiring gathering point for the community, business partners, and visionary Ukrainian women determined to contribute to Estonia’s economy and society. Its aim goes beyond business development: it also fosters self-confidence, community spirit, and integration.

This initiative is organized by the France Estonia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ccife.ee), in collaboration with the City of Tallinn, the Red Cross, Mövenpick, Cycoma and CoinsPaid.